Liberty Media Is Already Making Formula 1 Better

The V6 Turbo Hybrid era in Formula 1 hasn’t worked for me. I’m guessing it hasn’t worked for you either. Sure the engines are modern marvels of technology but this is Formula 1. These are supposed to be exotic power plants and even though they are crammed full of tech there is nothing exotic about a V6. Even if it has a turbo strapped to it and backed by a state of the art hybrid system. I haven’t even gotten to the worst part, these engines do not sound like F1 engines should. They sound common, the GP2 cars sound much better and I don’t care who you are, that is a problem.

The current crop of F1 engines are ruinously expensive. Many teams have urged F1 to reduce costs and it would appear they are going to get their way.

The FIA and Formula 1 have remained noncommittal regarding the future of engines, they tried to make the engines sound more exciting but to no avail. Enter Formula 1’s new ownership, Liberty Media. The American company has big plans for Formula 1. At the top of their list is to make the sport more exciting. There are 2 components that make a F1 race exciting, on track performance and the assault on the senses that F1 should be.

The first part of that equation is being addressed by engineer extraordinaire, Ross Brawn. He has tasked a team of engineers and aerodynamic experts to find a way to increase overtaking. The second part of that equation was addressed last Friday when current manufactures and Audi met in Parris to discuss the future engine regulations.

Cost and noise were the 2 main talking points and it would appear Formula 1 is heading in a more competitive direction. The powers that be have targeted 2021 as the introduction date of their new louder and more cost-effective engines.

FIA President Jean Todt is very hopeful given the number of shareholders who shared the same vision on Formula 1’s future.

“I was very pleased with the process, and the fact that so many different stakeholders were able to agree on a direction for the FIA F1 world championship in such an important technical area. Of course, now we must sit down and work through the fine details of exactly what the 2021 power units will be. We have begun on the right foot, and I am looking forward to working through the process to come up with the best decision for Formula 1 into the future.” FIA President Jean Todt said.

So engines that are less expensive and sound better should mean your senses will be appeased. Couple that with Brawn and his band of merry men working out ways to improve the racing and 2021 can not get here fast enough. Yes, this is Formula 1 and the FIA they are notorious for crushing our hopes and dreams to appease the all mighty dollar. Difference this time is the dollar is coming from a new source who values excitement over anything else. Even though I’ve been burned before I am genuinely excited for the future of F1. I see a return to the glory days where more than 2 dudes had a chance at the championship.

Imagine a season where Hamilton, Vettel, Verstappen, Ricciardo and others are all involved in a fight for the Championship. Thus leading to heated on track action where they can duke it out passing and getting passed for crucial points. If that isn’t enough to get you excited then you probably lack a pulse.

Chad burst from the womb wearing a racing suit and a helmet. Chad's passion for cars is in his very DNA. His father was a gear head and passed on the tradition through owning such classics as a '66 Mustang and a '59 Corvette all while taking him to various race tracks in the area. Chad likes to wrench on his rides whenever possible, forgoing the stealership. Chad is an avid motorsports fan with particular interest in endurance/sports car racing. When not online writing for Shifting Lanes, you can find him working at the local golf course teaching people how to swing or hooning a golf cart at impossible speeds.